'Democracy is going to take hold'

CPA Frank Ryan watches elections unfold during second tour in Iraq

Editor's note: The following is a letter sent to the MACPA from member Frank Ryan, a CPA based in Lebanon, Pa., and a colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Ryan left in December for his second tour of duty in Iraq and is expected to return home in June. This letter written on Jan. 30 — the day elections were held in Iraq.

member spotlight

Frank Ryan, CPA
President / CEO, F.X. Ryan & Associates, Ltd.

It's been almost a month since I have been able to get a note to you about life in Iraq and what a month it has been.

It really looks like democracy is going to take hold in Iraq. I was at one of the polls today and at the International Elections Commission — Iraq (IECI) press conference, where the results were described by the IECI as far better than expected. Over 70 percent of the voters voted, and all this with the possibility of death looming around the Iraqis.

I hope that you get the chance to hear what is really going on here. The problems are real but the successes are great. Dr. Samir, an Iraqi government leader, called me today, in a virtually tearful mood, proclaiming that he and his family voted freely today for the first time in their lives. He called to thank all Americans and our coalition partners for the sacrifices that our nations, our families, the hundreds of thousands of wives and husbands, the multitudes of children and all our loved ones made to allow them to be free. What do you say to Dr. Samir? Here is a man, and a society, willing to risk death to be free. They merely needed the chance. You, the American people, gave him that chance. Trust me on this one, they will not blow it and they are grateful.

Does all this mean that the war is over? Absolutely not, but a major chapter has been written. I implore you to let us finish the job the right way, which I know you will do. You are my hero!

I have mentioned many times before that the war will be won by you; not by us over here, but by you. You have all sacrificed so much. You have been willing to allow our nation to take a chance to do the right thing to ultimately bring peace and stability to Iraq and the world. My thanks to you.

I would also like to ask you to keep in your prayers our deceased and wounded and their families. This was an especially tough month, but then again, every month is a tough month when we lose a valiant warrior. Just yesterday, the embassy where I am was hit and we lost two wonderful people. Please keep them in your prayers.

Be sure to thank our World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Persian Gulf I vets as well. I am so thankful for the sacrifices that they made to keep us free.

Please drop me a line and please know that I truly appreciate all the well wishes and the prayers.

God bless you and Semper fi.

Frank Ryan
Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve

This content has not yet been Rated.

To Rate content, please Login.